Osceola — Taylor Layner allowed one hit and struck out 15 to lead Osceola past Palmetto 6-0 on Wednesday and into the final, clinching a state playoff berth.

"You can't save your best because there might not be a tomorrow," Warriors coach Kevin Mullins said of starting his ace. "This also lets us open up with our best when the playoffs start."

Layner gave up a single in the first and walked six but didn't allow a runner to reach third.

"I've been thinking about this game all day," Layner said. "But after the first pitch, I got my nerves out."

Osceola, which faces Bradenton Lakewood Ranch in Friday's final, scored two in the second. With one out and the bases loaded, T.J. Glessner put down a bunt to score one. Josh Townsend followed with a bunt of his own to make it 2-0.

"I normally don't like to (bunt) because I got boys that can hit doubles and leave the park. But (Glessner) may be the best bunter I've ever coached," Mullins said. "I also wanted to get (Layner) some runs early. When (Layner) gets a lead, he throws with more confidence."